Cubs, MLB file suit against Wrigleyville vendors
The Chicago Cubs and the licensing arm of Major League Baseball sued Wrigleyville vendors on Thursday, accusing them of selling counterfeit merchandise around Wrigley Field and infringing on trademarks owned by the team and the league.
The plaintiffs ask the federal court to at least temporarily stop vendors, some of whom the suit identifies by name, by face and by products sold, from producing and selling counterfeit gear.
"Defendants are a group of vendors who are deliberately free riding on the success of the Cubs and trading -- without a license or permission -- on the substantial goodwill associated with the Cubs' trademarks and trade dress. Not only are defendants reaping unlawful profits from these unsavory efforts, but also over the past weeks and months, they have flooded Wrigleyville and the Internet with all manner of unlicensed products that brazenly use the Cubs' trademarks ... to dupe unwitting fans and the public into purchasing Defendants' knockoff products."
Although these type of vendors have been part of the Wrigleyville area for decades, the value they can reap from the Cubs will rise significantly in the postseason.
At 97-55, the Cubs -- who famously haven't won the World Series since 1908 -- have the best record in baseball.
The suit asks for the court to bar the vendors, seven of whom are named, and others who are not specifically identified, through a temporary restraining order. The Cubs and Major League Baseball then hope to get a permanent injunction that will block the vendors and their products into the future.
In the lawsuit, the Cubs and MLB presented photos showing the vendors use the Cubs' logos -- their signature "C" and the "W" on the team's "win flag" -- and also come up with their own products, such as a shirt that says "We Are World Serious," without the approval of the league or the team.
Vendors are able to sell these items for less because they are unlicensed and therefore don't pay a royalty to the team or the league.
